Several international human rights organizations have submitted an urgent petition to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, expressing concerns about the arrest and detention of 49 Awami League activists, including 17 children, after a peaceful rally in Bangladesh’s Noakhali district. The International League Against Arbitrary Detention and Justice Makers Bangladesh in France highlighted the arrests as a violation of rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association under international agreements and Bangladesh’s Constitution. Allegations include breaches of the prohibition against arbitrary arrest and detention.
The activists, affiliated with the Chhatra League and Jubo League, wings of the Awami League, organized a peaceful protest rally in the Badharhat Market area of Noakhali Sadar Upazila on June 5. Subsequently, individuals, including children, were detained by ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party student activists and handed over to the police. Police operations led to the detention of more individuals in various areas of Noakhali Sadar Upazila.
A total of 49 individuals were arrested for their involvement in the peaceful political rally without any allegations of violence or threat to public safety. The International League Against Arbitrary Detention and Justice Makers Bangladesh in France expressed grave concern over the detention of 17 children, emphasizing that detaining minors should be a last resort and for the shortest necessary period. They called for the immediate release of all detainees, including the children, and the withdrawal of charges against them.
The human rights organizations urged the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to intervene and demand the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees, emphasizing respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association rights. They also called for an independent investigation into the arrests in line with Bangladesh’s human rights obligations.
